The self-control which Peter has in mind refers to power over yourself especially when it comes to food, the tongue, and sexuality (see Acts 24:25; Galatians 5:23). Such control stands over and against licentiousness (2 Peter 2:7, 2 Peter 2:18), lust (2 Peter 1:4, 2 Peter 2:10, 2 Peter 2:18; 2 Peter 3:3), lawlessness (2 Peter 2:8), unprincipled (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Peter 3:17), and corrupt (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 2:12, 2 Peter 2:19) behaviour. A lack of self-control characterized the false teachers and heretics whom Peter was warning against. They were given over to what was most base in the human character.1
6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,